MP opens local hydro-power plant

7Jan

January 7, 2017

cumbriacrack.com 05 Jan, 2017

Cumbria’s first wholly community-owned hydro-electric power plant is officially opened on 4th January, 2017 by South Lakes MP Tim Farron. The hydro-power scheme, based at Killington Reservoir, will provide green energy for 70 homes, and save 1600 tonnes of CO2 emissions over 20 years. It is the first wholly community-owned project of its kind in Cumbria. The community raised just over £300,000 to make the project happen, and used local businesses such as Ellergreen Hydro, from Burneside, and civil engineering firm TK Robinsons from Hutton. It is estimated that 98% of the funds for the scheme are raised within Cumbria, and 88% of the funds are then spent within the county.